Behind on bills? Start with one step.

Transcription

1 Behind on bills? Start with one step. Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Your Money, Your Goals

2 About the Bureau The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products and services under the Federal consumer financial laws, and educates and empowers consumers to make better informed financial decisions. Learn more at consumerfinance.gov Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

3 Behind on bills? When bills are piling up, it s important to remember that you re still in control. The small steps you choose to take can lead to big changes. We created this set of tools to fit your needs, whether that means short-term financial help, longer-term financial health, or something in between. The tools are designed to help you handle money emergencies, cut down on stress from mounting bills, and build your finances to where you want them to be. You can fix this; we can help. Start with one step. For more information, you can refer to the full Your Money, Your Goals toolkit: cfpb.gov/your-money-your-goals YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

4 The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau) has prepared this material as a resource for the public. This material is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not a replacement for the guidance or advice of an accountant, certified financial advisor, or otherwise qualified professional. The Bureau is not responsible for the advice or actions of the individuals or entities from which you received the Bureau educational materials. The Bureau s educational efforts are limited to the materials that the Bureau has prepared. This tool may ask you to provide sensitive information. The Bureau does not collect this information and is not responsible for how your information may be used if you provide it to others. The Bureau recommends that you do not include names, account numbers, or other sensitive information and that users follow their organization s policies regarding personal information.

5 Where does all my money come from? INCOME TRACKER Where does my money go? SPENDING TRACKER What are all my bills and when are they due? BILL CALENDAR What is one thing I want to change? GOAL SETTING 8 Tools if you re behind on bills. How can I get extra money out of my situation? SHORT-TERM STRATEGIES How do I make tough choices in tight months? PRIORITIZING BILLS How do I respond to a debt collector? DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS Who else can I turn to for help? RESOURCE CARDS YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

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7 INCOME TRACKER Where does all my money come from? A step further Is your income more or less than you thought it was? Does this feel like a typical month for you? Wondering about the difference between net and gross income? Gross income is what you earn before taxes or other deductions are taken from your pay. Net income is your gross income minus taxes and other deductions. Additional resources You may qualify for additional benefits. Check here: benefits.gov This tool will help you: Get a total picture of your income and financial resources Remember when all your funds are coming in Think about how to plan your expenses to avoid gaps in your ability to pay Start with one question: How many sources of income do you have? What you ll need: ** All your pay stubs and benefits statements, and records of electronic payments from the month Some examples of income: any jobs, self-employment, seasonal work (shoveling, harvesting) Some examples of government program benefits: Disability insurance (SSI, SSDI), Social Security, TANF, SNAP Other types of income: Child support, gifts, tax refunds, help from family or friends Does seeing your income week by week change how you think about your spending? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

8 Use this income tracker to plan the best times to save and to spend. Month of 1 Write in the names of any income and benefits that apply to you. 2 Fill out the table with the amounts you receive each week. 3 Total up each week s income. 4 Circle the payments that come at a predictable time and amount. This will show you the income you can count on each month. Primary job: Government program: Disability benefits: Financial support: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Additional: Additional: Additional: Weekly totals: Total income for this month:

9 SPENDING TRACKER Where does my money go? A step further Are you spending money on items you don t need? Needs are things you can t live without, like shelter, utilities, food, clothing, and transportation. Needs may also include obligations: things you have to pay, like debt, child support, alimony, and student loans. Wants, however, are things you can choose to live without. Needs Wants This tool will help you: Track your spending for a month Analyze your spending by category Identify areas you might cut back on Set a goal to keep you on track What you ll need: ** All your receipts and bill statements from the month ** Any online records of your spending ** An envelope to keep your receipts in TIP: There are free apps available to help you track your spending One want I will cut back on next week: Start with one question: How much do you think you spent last month? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

10 Use this spending tracker to consider what is important to you. 1 Get an envelope to collect your receipts. 2 Use the table to sort your spending into the categories below. Don t forget about bills you share with others. 3 At month s end, total up each category. This month s spending: Cell phone Debt payment Eating out Education + childcare Entertainment Groceries + other supplies Health expenses Helping others Housing + utilities Pets Transport Other Category totals: Total spending for this month:

11 BILL CALENDAR What are all my bills and when are they due? A step further: Balancing act. Enter your weekly income into the calendar to compare with your weekly bill totals. Other expenses. Don t forget things like birthday, holiday, and school expenses, or bills that are due every few months or once a year. Top of mind. You can use this calendar as a daily reminder just pin it up where you ll see it! One thing I m going to try next month: This tool will help you: Get a total picture of your monthly bills Identify the weeks when you have the most money due Plan how to pay your bills on time and avoid late fees Remember when your bills are coming up What you ll need: ** All your bill statements from a single month ** Statements of any bills that are online Some examples of bills: utilities, rent or mortgage, phone, memberships, cable, credit cards, car payments, student loans, child support, insurance Start with one question: When you pay your bills on time, how do you feel? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

12 Use this bill calendar to see all your bills and when they re due. 1 Label the calendar with the dates of the month you want to plan for. 2 Make a list of all your bills. 3 For each bill, mark the payment date: 7 days before the due date for mail, 2 days before the due date for online. 4 Enter when you receive income into the calendar. Month of Bills: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

13 GOAL SETTING What is one thing I want to change? A step further Create an action plan. Think about how long it will realistically take you to reach your goal. Then, make an action plan and stick to it. Don t forget to list any resources that might help you. For example, you might seek out information, tools and equipment, professional assistance, a loan, or find transportation. Step 1 Resources needed: Date to complete: Step 2 This tool will help you: What to do: Resources needed: Date to complete: Identify the things that really matter to you 1. Pick a statement that interests you Step 3 Work toward a future that includes those things Track your progress Take pride in making life better for you and your family 2. Write down your goal 3. Share your goal with someone who will hold you to it Resources needed: Date to complete: Start with one question: How have you helped someone else reach a goal? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

14 One thing I m proud of: One promise to myself: One thing I d like to change: One dream I have for myself: Who can help me? Date to complete:

15 SHORT-TERM STRATEGIES How can I get extra money out of my situation? This tool will help you: Earn more by taking on work or charging for services Get money quickly by selling stuff or expanding your benefits Spend better by developing habits that save you money Cut costs by avoiding fees or canceling memberships Think about this: If you run out of money before the end of the month, think about ways you can increase income and decrease spending. This tool has prompts that can put you on the path toward more money in and less money out. Share options you ve identified with others in your household and build your plan together. A step further Borrow DVDs and CDs for free at your local public library. TIP: Don t forget to return them on time to avoid late fees. Maintain your car: Keeping up on oil changes and tire pressure can save you money on fuel and repair costs. See if you can increase the deductible on your car insurance to lower monthly payments. Pay parking tickets and other fines on time to avoid additional charges. When buying groceries, check the price label for cost per serving. TIP: Sometimes larger quantities don t actually save money. Consider restaurants with Kids Eat Free nights. TIP: Make sure you know what each offer includes. Look for sales and coupons for things you need. Check to see if you qualify for weatherization incentives or programs for your house. By bringing in more money or resources and spending less, I want to free up: $ Start with one question: What s something that people say you re good at? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

16 Think about some ways to bring in more money. Think about some ways to spend less money. Skills I have Other options I have Fees I can avoid Utilities I can reduce What do people count on you for? Cooking, crafts, yard work, a second language, babysitting? Do you pay fees to access your money for example, from ATMs or check-cashing services? Can you open a no-fee bank account? Can you unplug appliances when not using them? Can you set your thermostat lower during winter and higher during summer? Programs I can consider Can you run errands for someone, give people Plans Habits rides, or sell produce I can change I can change from your garden? Can you sell stuff you no longer need (old equipment, extra clothes) at a yard sale or online? Do you qualify for public housing or benefits (TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP)? Do you qualify for a Lifeline phone rate? Do you have memberships you re not using (magazine subscriptions, moviestreaming services, gym)? What would you consider changing to save money? Cooking at home vs. eating out, buying second-hand vs. buying new?

17 PRIORITIZING BILLS How do I make tough choices in tight months? A step further: If you have to miss a payment, try calling your creditors to tell them why. You may be able to make short-term arrangements. For example, if you are in good standing with your creditors, they may be willing to forgive the occasional fee. If you find you re often late with a particular bill, negotiate a new due date to better line it up with the dates you receive income or benefits. One strategy is to rotate the bills you pay each month. While not ideal, this can prevent you from losing your car or house, having a utility shut off, or getting into serious default on a loan. Additional resources: You may also wish to contact a certified housing or a credit counselor to help you build a plan to pay your debts. This tool will help you: Understand what might happen if you fall behind on your obligations Assess the tradeoffs in your situation Make a plan to pay this month s most important bills What you ll need: ** Bill statements and overdue notices ** Any letters from creditors that threaten possible eviction, repossession, default, or discontinuation of service Timing matters. The consequences for paying bills late can vary depending on how late you are. For example, utility and credit card payments received within 30 days of their due dates typically don t affect your credit report. After 60 days, however, your credit card company may choose to raise the interest rate on your balances, which can make it take longer to pay off what you owe. HUD Office of Housing Counseling: National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Start with one question: How do you decide which bill to pay first? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

18 Weigh the risk of not paying certain bills right now. Things I need to keep or get a job Transportation to get to work car payment, gas and insurance, or bus fare Tools or uniform for work Childcare Insurance I need to pay for Car insurance is required in most states Health insurance Home or renters insurance Now prioritize your bills. Ultimately, you re responsible for all your bills. If you can t pay them all at once, think about the order you pay them in. Highest priority bills (I'll pay these first) Things I need to stay housed and keep utilities connected Rent or mortgage, property taxes if I own my home Utilities gas, electric, water, sewer Tip: The costs of losing a place to live add up fast, and late payments on your mortgage or an eviction can make it harder to find a new place if you need one. Obligations I need to pay Court-ordered obligations such as child support or fines Other loans and credit cards Tip: Consider any legal consequences for delaying payment, and remember that credit card companies may raise your interest rates if you pay more than 60 days late. Lowest priority bills

19 DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS How do I respond to a debt collector? Additional resources Have more questions about debt collection? Find Bureau debt collection resources, including sample letters you can send to debt collectors, at cfpb.gov/debt-collection This tool will help you: Take actions to verify whether the debt is valid Know how to dispute the debt if you do not owe it Know what to do next if you do owe the debt Start with one question: Are debt collectors contacting you? Know your rights: A debt collector cannot: Call repeatedly to harass or abuse you Use obscene language Make a false or misleading statement about what you owe Publish your name for not paying a debt Lie to you If debt collectors harass you, they may be violating the law. Need to submit a complaint? cfpb.gov/complaint Having an issue with a debt collector? Submit a complaint with the Bureau at cfpb.gov/complaint Need help finding a credit counselor? To find a certified credit counselor, visit usa.gov/debt Need help finding an attorney? To find an attorney in your state who can advise and represent you if you are sued on a debt, visit cfpb.gov/askcfpb/1433 This booklet references third-party resources or content that consumers may find helpful. The inclusion of links or references to third-party sites does not necessarily reflect the Bureau's endorsement of the third-party, the views expressed on the outside site, or products or services offered on the outside site. The Bureau has not vetted these third-parties, their content, or any products or services they may offer. There may be other possible entities or resources that are not listed that may also serve your needs. YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

20 If a debt collector contacts you, don t ignore it! Ask for information. If you re not sure about the debt or the amount, ask for more information (or send a letter or the form to the right). Collector s name and address Original creditor s name and address Account number Amount owed When account became delinquent Resolve. If the debt is not legitimate, don t delay in disputing the debt! Send the debt collector a letter (or use the form to the right) disputing the debt immediately. You may lose your ability to dispute the debt if you wait until after a court issues judgment. If the debt is legitimate, don t despair! At least now you know what you re dealing with. You still have options: I want to dispute this debt because I think: This is not my debt. The amount is wrong. I do not think that you are the right person to pay. I already paid this debt in full or settled it. Other: When collector obtained the debt and the amount it was then Whether the debt s statute of limitations has expired (and you can no longer be sued for the debt) Documentation proving you re required to pay A copy of the last bill Be cautious. No matter what debt collectors say, you don t have to give sensitive info like your full Social Security or bank account numbers. Keep records. Write down dates, times, and notes for every call. Save everything debt collectors send you and the original copies of anything you send them. These will help if you have a dispute or go to court. Try to settle with the debt collector for a smaller amount that will fully resolve the account. (You can do this yourself by contacting the collector.) OR, negotiate a payment plan that will give you more time to pay down your debt. OR, pay the debt in full and move on. If you re sued by a debt collector, be sure to respond to court documents. If you don t respond, the court will usually assume you agree with what the creditor says, and issue a money judgment against you. You may want an attorney to advise or represent you at the hearing. My name is My address is I am writing about account number Check all that apply: I want to ask: Send me the dates the debt was incurred, and the name and address of the original creditor.

21 RESOURCE CARDS Who else can I turn to for help? A step further Make sure you get unbiased information. It s important to get accurate, up-to-date information. Unbiased individuals and organizations 1) do not try to sell you products and services, 2) do not ask for payment up front, 3) are able to show you the impact any actions you take may have on your financial situation. Key questions for additional resources: Y N Y N 1. Does this individual or organization earn revenue by selling financial products or services? 2. Does it require cash up-front? * * * * 4. Can it provide references? 5. Will it provide unbiased information and not try to sell you financial products or services? * * * * These resources may help you: Pay utility bills Find a job or benefits Deal with debt Get a response from banks and debt collectors What to do: 1. Add any relevant local resources 2. Photocopy and cut into eight referral cards 3. Keep the cards in your wallet or a handy place 3. Has the state Attorney General s Office or Better Business Bureau, or another entity taken action against it? * * If the answer to 1, 2, or 3 is yes, consider finding a different source of information. 6. Do you know anyone personally whom it has helped? * * If the answer to 4, 5, or 6 is no, consider a different place to seek information. Find a lawyer Explore health care programs Start with one question: Is there anything else you're concerned about? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

22 Need help with housing or paying utility bills? Need help finding a job? Need help dealing with debt? Need help finding a lawyer? Call the FCC to see if you qualify for a Lifeline phone rate: To find out about public housing and eligibility, call HUD s Housing Counseling Office: Search for a job: usa.gov/find-a-job Call the American Job Centers to find out what s required for different careers: For debt management, call the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC): To find out more about student debt, visit: cfpb.gov/paying-for-college For legal resources listed state by state, visit: lawhelp.org To find out if you re eligible zfor assistance from a Legal Services program funded by the Legal Services Corporation, visit: lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/findlegal-aid Need help getting a bank or debt collector to respond? Submit a complaint with the Bureau: cfpb.gov/complaint Contact your state attorney general s office: naag.org/naag/attorneysgeneral/whos-my-ag.php Need help with benefits? To find out which benefits you may qualify for, visit: benefits.gov To check your Social Security status, visit: ssa.gov Need help with health care bills? To enroll in health insurance, visit: healthcare.gov To find out about your state s Medicaid and CHIP programs, visit: medicaid.gov To get local help with Medicare and SHIP programs, visit: shiptacenter.org Need help with...? Have money questions? Visit: cfpb.gov/askcfpb

23 BONUS CARD My money picture 1. Grab a pen or highlighter. 2. Look at the board and mark a check on any area of life you feel good about. 3. Circle any area of life you feel concerned about. Housing Other Eating out Personal care Entertainment Groceries Childcare Pets Donations + gifts Transportation Debt payment Other Cell phone Utilities Helping others Insurance Health care Benefits Job income Education YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

24 For more information, service providers can refer to the full Your Money, Your Goals toolkit online at cfpb.gov/your-money-your-goals If you re having a problem with a bank account, credit card, student loan, consumer loan, or other financial products or services you can submit a complaint with the Bureau at cfpb.gov/complaint For answers to commonly asked questions you might have about other money matters, visit cfpb.gov/askcfpb Mail Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection P.O. Box 2900, Clinton, IA Toll-free phone Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. (EST) TTY/TDD phone Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection